The chemistry of plants and insects : plants, bugs, and molecules / Margareta Séquin, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University, USA.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1. The plant perspectives. Plants attracting insects -- Plants that eat insects -- Plants' defense against insects -- Part 2. The insect perspective. Insects and their chemistry -- Insects feeding on plants -- Plant galls : protection and food for the young -- Insects that use plant defenses for their own protection -- Insects that provide protection for plants -- Part 3. Plants and insects : the human perspective. Human uses -- Plant-insect interactions and the human role.

"Specific organic compounds and intriguing chemistry determine whether insects are keen on feeding on plants or avoid certain plants altogether. Some insects have learned to use plant compounds as their own defences, and some plants use digestive processes to use insects as nutritional supplements. Plant-insect interactions are vital for our food supply, for pollination of orchards or detrimentally in insect infestations of crops, as well as in applications like silk production. This book benefits from Margareta Séquin's vast experience leading field trips and seminars to botanical gardens and nature reserves, and teaching chemistry to beginners. Organic chemistry is often seen as a challenging, sometimes abstract field. This book makes chemistry exciting and accessible for readers interested in a deeper understanding of the natural world."--